It appears Josh Norman has done fairly well for himself. The free agent cornerback signed with Washington for a reported $75 million over five years. Norman reportedly got $50 million in guaranteed money. As is always the case, contract numbers are never quite what we make of them. However, Norman still did really well for himself.
According to multiple reports, Norman's deal includes $36.5 million in fully guaranteed money the first two seasons. That includes a $15 million signing bonus, according to Pro Football Talk. The remaining $21.5 million in fully guaranteed money is part of his 2016 and 2017 salaries. The remaining $13.5 million is guaranteed for injury, and becomes fully guaranteed if he is on the roster in March of 2018.
Some people are disappointed the 49ers did not sign Norman. I get that. It is possible last year was the best we'll ever see from Norman, but he certainly would have been a boost to the 49ers cornerback depth. But at that kind of money? Matt Maiocco suggested the team contacted Norman early on, but realized quickly that his market was beyond what they were willing to pay.
The 49ers head into the draft with a cornerback depth chart that includes Tramaine Brock, Dontae Johnson, Kenneth Acker, Keith Reaser, Marcus Cromartie, and Chris Davis, and of course Jimmie Ward handling the nickel duties. I think Dontae Johnson is the most likely to emerge as the starter opposite Brock. He's the biggest cornerback on the roster, and I think we see the team look to get a little bigger at the position.